Enron Oil Trading & Transportation Co v. Walbrook Insurance

The principal issue, before us is whether, under Montana law, the pollution exclusion in a commercial general liability policy excludes coverage for losses sustained as a result of the addition of a foreign substance to crude oil transported in a pipeline. We hold that it does not.

BACKGROUND

This action was brought by Enron Oil Trading & Transportation Co. (“Enron”) in Montana state court against the defendants, who were its excess insurers under a liability policy. Enron seeks indemnity for amounts it paid Ashland Oil Company (“Ashland”) in settlement of an action Ashland brought against Enron (formerly UPG, Inc.) and others. Ashland’s complaint in that action alleged that it had suffered losses — explosions and malfunctions of its pipeline — as a result of the injection of foreign substances, so-called “B-G mix,” by Enron and others into the pipeline carrying crude oil to Ashland Refinery. 1 Ashland’s complaint stated claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of contract and warranty, fraud and tariff violations. That action was settled by Enron for approximately $5 million prior to trial. Enron’s primary insurer provided a defense and contributed $500,000 to the…